Debate on new towns

The New Towns Act 1946 marked an ambitious programme for building new towns with thirty two new towns designated between 1946 and 1970 across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The designation of new towns was in response to the need for post-war construction. It saw the formation of new communities to manage over-spill from major urban centres, reducing the pressure of urban sprawl and supporting regeneration of former industrial areas.

The designation of new towns ended in the 1970’s as government policy shifted to inner city regeneration. The government is now committed to a new generation of new towns, with the New Town’s Taskforce publishing their report to government recommending a framework for new towns principles alongside potential new town locations. The government has published an initial response to the Taskforce report and is progressing a sustainability appraisal of new towns, with the final selection of new towns guided by the outcomes of this appraisal.

This debate pack reflects on the experience and lessons learnt from the first generation of new towns. It explores housing tenure and demographics, deprivation, economic outcomes, investment and infrastructure delivery.

The debate pack also looks ahead to future new towns, taking account of the New Towns Taskforce recommendations and views from planning, local government, rural, and commercial stakeholders.